Witter Coin U “Grads” Talk Coins, Collecting & Camaraderie

Seth Chandler, owner and chief numismatist of Witter Coins in San Francisco, California, held an innovative weeklong educational seminar in late July 2021 called Witter Coin University. Hosting 25 young numismatists (YNs) ranging in age from 13 through 21 years old, Witter Coin “U” taught its students a wide variety of numismatic topics in a forum underwritten by Chandler and supported by donations from many supporters, including PCGS. Among the individuals who helped teach the group of 25 bright-eyed students were PCGS Director of Numismatic Education and Outreach Steve Feltner, John Brush of David Lawrence Rare Coins, David McCarthy of Kagin’s, Devin Hipp of Devin Hipp Enterprises, Jim Stoutjesdyk from Heritage Auctions, and full-time graduate student Kevin Kaufmann.

Chandler says his goal was to teach students more about numismatics, but he also had a deeper purpose in mind. “The number-one item that most applicants say is [important is] that they wish to meet other young numismatists just like themselves,” he says of the YNs who submitted scholarship applications with hopes of attending Witter Coin University. “This is the basis for lifelong friendships. That’s the biggest goal by far, for the YNs to make friends.” Three of the 25 students who participated in the weeklong activities, which included coin grading sessions, a whirlwind trip around the City by the Bay, and plenty of time at Witter Coins to examine rarities in-hand, shared their experiences with us.

Abigail Zechman

“I have never been to a numismatic seminar event that is just for young collectors, where we are all in the same class, so that was awesome. Something else that made Witter U such a memorable experience was the casual setting of everything. I felt like I was able to build strong relationships with not just the YNs, but the instructors as well. I left San Francisco feeling more connected in our community, and with a group of people who I can turn to when I have questions and when I start my career in numismatics. I really can’t thank enough Seth, the instructors, and everyone behind the scenes who helped Witter U happen. It was a truly memorable experience.”

Noah Savolainen

“It’s impossible to distill my week at Witter Coin U into a single quote. In fact, it would take a solid five pages to fairly recount a single day. I walked away with a new perspective on the industry and was able to build connections with fellow numismatists which I hope will last a lifetime. Although each student and instructor left with something different, I know we all found a new optimism for the community as a whole. And so, our experience in San Francisco marked the start of a great new chapter in each of our numismatic lives. Thank you, to Seth Chandler, Witter Coin, and all the generous donors for such an amazing gift.”

Timothy Chen

“This week-long program gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet so many talented young numismatists from around the country and to pick the brains of some of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructors in the world. Something that will stay with me […] are the friendships that I’ve made with all the amazing students and instructors who will certainly continue to have an everlasting impact in my numismatic journey. I am so grateful to Seth Chandler, the instructors, and those who donated to this program for supporting me and my fellow peers in this hobby. Without them, this would not have been possible at all.”